John Lawrence Beaty

JOHN LAWRENCE BEATY

1941 - 2024

 Dallas – SMSgt John Lawrence Beaty (Ret.), 82, joined his heavenly Father peacefully on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. 

He was born in Gaston County, NC on December 4, 1941 to the late Joseph and Ada Yarborough Beaty 

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sara Fogle Beaty. He was also predeceased by his sisters, baby Terri, Joye, Nancy and Kathy. 

After high school John married Sara Fogle Beaty, his partner in life, starting with 20 years of service to the country in the United States Air Force. John had a successful career as a Pararescueman traveling all over the world. He served in the Vietnam War, was stationed all across the contiental United States. During his tenure in the Air Force he earned the following decorations and medals: Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Navy Accomendation Medal with O-Device, Coast Guard Commendation Medal and many more.  

He retired from the USAF after 22 years of dedicated service. They retired to Dallas, North Carolina in 1981, where he began his second career as a driver for several trucking companies. John and Sara were members of Holy Communion Lutheran Church where he served in many roles throughout his lifetime. John loved his hometown and took great pride in serving as Town Alderman. While serving in Panama he joined the A.F.&A.M. Masonic Lodge and Shriners, John continued his membership at Gaston Lodge 263 in Dallas, NC where he recently received his 50 year pin. John was known throughout his lifetime by “Johnny”, “Buddy”, and “Big John.” If you knew him, you knew he had his daily routine of eating at his favorite restaurants and his many stops along the way. He was always a “Man on the Go.” As a family we want to thank the people of Dallas and Gaston County who were so nice, patient, and understanding these last few years.  

John is survived by his children, Terri Beaty Bishop and husband Bobby; John Lawrence Beaty, II and wife Angie; Jeffrey Fogle Beaty and wife Dena; grandchildren, Hayley Beaty, Cody Bishop and wife Abigail; John L. Beaty III (Tre`) and wife Emily; Zachary Beaty and wife Kalani; Dylan Bishop and fiancé́́ Allison Kennedy; Ashley Beaty; and Cortney Scott and Lauren Byrd; Camden Kanupp and McKenzie Frietch; great-grandchildren, Ada, Mila, Jack and Briggs; dear friend Glenda Hardy; numerous cousins and many extended military friends who we call family. 

Visitation for family & friends will be Sunday, October 6th at 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, 103 West Church Street, Dallas, North Carolina. 

Funeral Service will be 11:00 am, Monday, October 7th at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, 103 West Church Street, Dallas, NC with Dr. John Spencer officiating. Full military honors burial will follow at the family cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be Hayley Beaty, Cody Bishop, Tre Beaty, Zachary Beaty, Dylan Bishop, Ashley Beaty and Brice Warren. Honorary Pallbearers will be his fellow PJ’s.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the nursing staff & physicians of CaroMont Health, IMCU for the kind and compassionate care extended to John and the family. 

Memorials may be made to Holy Communion Lutheran Church and Holy Communion Cemetery Fund c/o 103 W. Church Street, Dallas, NC 28034. 

Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family.  

Condolences may be made to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com